Natural remedies for swollen and heavy legs

Swollen, heavy legs have two causes. One is temporary, linked, for example, to excessive exercise or excessively high temperatures; another, however, may stem from certain pathologies, such as poor circulation in the peripheral arteries.

Cause

Recurrent swelling of the lower limbs, associated with a feeling of heaviness, may be the first symptom of venous insufficiency, while swollen legs with pain during movement may be associated with phlebitis.

Test for swollen legs

A simple test helps to understand when the legs They're swollen. Simply apply light pressure to the swollen area, such as the thigh, and then wait 15-20 seconds. If a whitish imprint visible to the naked eye remains, it means you have a water retention problem.

Diseases associated with heavy legs

If the remedies we've suggested don't provide relief, and the problem of swollen, heavy legs persists, it's a good idea to discuss with your doctor the possibility of a link to other, more serious conditions. For example:

Kidney failure
Slipped disc
polycythemia vera
Diabetic foot
Thrombophlebitis
Deep vein thrombosis
Varicose veins

Remedies

Swollen legs are a significant problem for women. They make walking difficult and strain the body. They're unattractive and difficult to hide. They're a sign of other problems and illnesses, even serious ones. The first thing to understand when you experience frequent swollen legs is the cause. At the bottom of the list, among the least significant causes, are lack of exercise and poor posture when standing or walking.

Then the problems increase in severity. And there are more serious causes, for which it's best to consult a doctor and not always think you can get by with the usual expensive and wasteful treatments. This category includes phlebitis, venous obstruction, and poor lymphatic system function. Finally, there are transitory and very specific causes: for example, the period of pregnancy, during which the woman's body naturally becomes heavier, starting from the legs, and fatigue is felt.

Before moving on to a real one nucleoside, if the problem is temporary and if there are no signs of a specific pathology, to avoid having heavy legs, even as a preventative measure, you can follow these 10 tips useful. These are simple, highly effective rules.

No to a sedentary lifestyle

If forced into this position, rise frequently on tiptoe or from a chair, without using your hands. Even small, everyday gestures—very simple measures—can help you avoid becoming too sedentary. For example, when you're in front of a computer, stand up every half hour. This will help you relax and protect your eyes.

To walk

Walk as much as possible. But be careful: physical activity, whether it's doing household or office chores, doesn't prevent the accumulation of significant amounts of deoxygenated blood in the veins of the lower limbs; in fact, it can actually promote it. It's important to walk outside your home: in parks, gardens, tree-lined streets. Anywhere there's green space. Avoid walking barefoot, or even in high heels (over an inch), and wear comfortable clothing that's not too tight or form-fitting.

Weight in order

Avoid obesity and unhealthy diets: increase the use of fruit, vegetables, citrus fruits, and reduce spices, alcohol, and coffee. Being overweight is another risk factor for people who tend to have swollen legs.

In the shower

When showering, or after a bath, use a cold jet of water, directing it first onto your legs and then up to your ankles and groin. The cold has a vasoconstrictor effect and helps reactivate circulation, oxygenate tissues, and have a draining effect.

Beware of the heat

Avoid prolonged stays near heat sources (vasodilatory action). It is preferable to bathing in a tub with water above 30°C. showerA hydromassage is ideal, especially if it's at 30°C and has ozone. Instead, when you sleep, with the warmth of the blankets, place a pillow under your calves.

Do not massage areas with varicose veins

Avoid trauma and vigorous massage of areas affected by varicose veins (risk of phlebitis). Lymphatic drainage is ideal.

Creams

Avoid using creams, ointments, and gels unless specifically prescribed by your doctor (risk of allergic skin reactions).

Sports

Play sports. Sports activities should always be regular, moderate, and non-traumatic. Recommended activities include cycling, stationary cycling, and rowing. Tennis and other equipment are not recommended. Ideally, exercise is: ARTISTIC and march.

What to do when traveling

During long journeys (car, train, plane), stop sitting frequently and move around; if the journey is long, it's helpful to wear light compression stockings, which you can remove as soon as you reach your destination.

At the sea

The sea is not contraindicated. You should just avoid lying in the sun during the hottest hours of the day. It's enough to break up the heat every now and then with short walks. Walking in the water up to your thighs is ideal. Avoid covering your legs during sun exposure, especially with wet towels.

No hormones

Veins and hormones are a very risky combination. The use of estrogen-progestin hormones (contraception)menopause) can cause or worsen a pre-existing thromboembolic disease. Only a specialist can give specific recommendations on a case-by-case basis.

What to eat

Diet can play an important role in combating swollen legs, especially in preventing water retention. In particular, the following are recommended:

Foods rich in Potassium which promotes the elimination of sodium through urine. Artichokes, Sweet potatoes, beans (especially dried azuki beans), ripe tomatoes, and melon. Also excellent are flax seed, fruit (primarily peaches and apricots, and also grapefruit and grapes) and vegetables (cucumbers, radishes, courgettes, spinach, chicory and lettuce)
Foods rich in magnesium, which regulates aldosterone, a hormone that acts on Reindeer and increases potassium elimination and sodium absorption. Foods rich in magnesium include walnuts, almonds, and dried fruit in general.
Water and herbal teasThey dilute the blood, aid kidney function, and help eliminate fluids through urine. Among draining infusions and herbal teas, the most effective are nettle, horsetail, and birch leaves, and dandelion.
Herbs and spices: they also help reduce the amount of salt.
Good fats and cereals, such as extra virgin olive oil, whole grains and spelt.
Protein lean: they are contained in fish, white meat and legumes.

Prevention

Le legs swollenWhen they aren't indicators of more serious problems but merely the result of poor lifestyle habits, they can be effectively treated with careful prevention. Some things in particular are very helpful.

Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Try natural cryotherapy with a few cold showers throughout the day. Alternatively, take a cold foot bath.
Lymphatic drainage massages. They're the best for reducing fluid retention.
Sleep well at night and keep the legs raised to improve blood circulation.
Don't overdo it with high heels.
Pay attention to your posture, and don't cross your legs too often. legs.
An infusion of green tea can give freshness to your legs.

Plants that help circulation

Some plants, in the form of infusions and decoctions, can also help improve circulation. In particular:

Gotu kola, rich in active ingredients capable of improving blood circulation, especially in the leg area. spark It stimulates the production of collagen, a valuable substance for maintaining leg elasticity and improving the resistance of vein and capillary walls. Furthermore, Gotu Kola promotes the elimination of excess fluids, counteracting water retention.
Butcher's broom's roots contain active substances capable of toning blood vessels. This activity is complemented by a powerful anti-inflammatory effect, which prevents the passage of fluids (and therefore their accumulation) in the surrounding tissues. And it is precisely this accumulation of fluids that, in many cases, causes heavy legs.

Infusion for heavy legs

This is the recipe for preparing one of the best natural infusions against heavy legs.

Ingredients

Butcher's broom root
40 grams of cypress berries
20 grams of yarrow
20 grams of licorice

Preparation

Pour two heaped teaspoons of the indicated mixture into a saucepan with 150 ml of cold water
Bring to the boil for 5 minutes
Turn off the heat and leave to infuse for another 10 minutes.
Drink up to 2 cups of infusion a day, away from meals
Store the mixture in a dry place and in a closed container.

Swollen legs: causes, remedies, and prevention